Predator, Prey and Passion

We're each passionate about something, someone, pet, hobby, instrument, work - an endless list. But does nature possess the ability to nurture & feed its own passion. I'm not sure, but that's what I'm doing here, feeding a few aspects about me that are in-turn reciprocally beneficial, spending more time on them, heightening and harnessing two key passions; writing and love of all things nature. Each subsequently adds to the other and this triage strengthens and encourages the whole. I'm passionate about people and photography too. People are fundamentally important to our existence in a sharing and caring society that somewhat sets us apart from nature, though I have a tendency to oscillate between being something of a hermit and that of a social energy-bunny; a mind-mechanic's perfect specimen for psychoanalysis.

Obviously we're made up of so many components, that the over simplification of anyone, based on a few notable aspects denies them their right to be themselves in ways we may not yet appreciate. Time and time again, we hear judgemental opinion, without any reasonable effort or respect to understand the inner person in question. Perhaps you can identify with this.

Likewise, to look upon birds of prey like the Sparrow-hawk as some villainous outsider threatening 'our' perceived status-quo in gardens, is tantamount to misunderstanding nature. This delightful hawk hones a passion for survival; aimed totally toward reproduction, and to such end it must evolve, constantly improving its hunting abilities to overcome everything nature, and occasionally man, sadly, chucks at it.

During the few weeks this hen-bird was with us, almost daily, I've no idea how many sparrows or goldfinch became a meal. Nor can I appreciate the valuable survival lessons remaining birds gleaned from close encounters, witnessed first hand. We probably had too many sparrows, I was struggling to keep sufficient food in the feeders, and this reduction probably allows remaining numbers to better weather the winter. Perhaps some of them went off to form another sparrow colony where there wasn't one.

Nature generally left to its own devices finds its own balance to the benefit of all. At times of course we have to help it along or offset our own effect, and at times even manage it; despite being controversial at times.

Recently I was entertained watching this spider, preying on flies, ladybirds and here in the rain a crane-fly. Gruesome to a few perhaps, but the struggle of wildlife can never be appreciated in humanistic terms. The glory is revealed however, when we have an appreciative understanding of the importance of thriving ecosystems. Within which, within reason, all the varied elements of multiple food-chains are actively growing, and become self-sustaining.

Quoting Sam Dixon from Wildlife Gardening: "The presence of an apex predator (one at the top of the food chain) such as a sparrowhawk is a sign of a great garden ecosystem and flourishing feeders. If you are lucky enough to glimpse a sparrowhawk snatching up one of your garden birds you should be delighted!"

We need to welcome ants and a myriad of other creepy crawlies, but if you have a well balanced system, they'll hardly interfere with your daily life & significantly benefit the health of your garden.

I'm proud to say my count of sparrowhawk sightings, appears to be increasing, year on year.

With the additional excavation planned, to enlarge the area of pond, and build its own unique growing ecosystem, will only benefit and help sustain more life. More can always be done, but the richly rewarding entertainment of nature and wildlife, evolving around us, puts us in touch with a thriving garden oasis well worth the effort.

Are you attracting more wildlife & nature into your garden? - TPH.